Anytime judges, a district attorney, a public defender, a developer, a county executive and a political boss get together at a local tavern for happy-hour drinks, it, well, all sounds pretty normal.

But when the judges are corrupt, the DA is duplicitous, the public defender is on the make, the developer is stuffing money in ready pockets, the county executive is without scruples, and the party boss is morally pernicious, the evening out still seems normal. Evil, after all, is a human trait.

Throw in Heather Kessler’s (Dawn Daignault) believable performance as a pharmaceutically-enhanced daughter, then add a of bunch of aggrieved parents and the stage is set for all hell to break loose.

When it comes to the “You-Can’t-Make-That-Stuff-Up” genre of drama, author, producer and director Ara Barlieb’s “Corner Booth” delivers a powerful story whose genesis is right out of yesterday’s headlines.

“Corner Booth” continues weekends through June 13, Charles A. Brown Ice House, Bethlehem.

A talented ensemble makes this story of child-trafficking for profit into a riveting experience that should be required viewing by all public servants and office-seekers as a reminder that they have awesome powers and equally awesome responsibilities.

A strong performance by District Attorney Carl Armstead (David Oswald) portrays an odious deal-maker who protects the guilty and frames the innocent while never losing his smile nor his hail-fellow-well-met persona.

County Executive Ellie Snyder (Trish Cipoletti) shines, sober or soused, as she tries to balance her love life with her political ambitions which all depend on staying out of jail.

Judge Marino (Sharon Ferry) is fantastically apoplectic as she rages at the allegations of parents Jody Prince (Carla Hadley), Karen Taylor (Susan Burnett), PT (Brian MacDara Mullaney) and Ronald (Chris Donahue), who seek justice for their children unjustly railroaded into a juvenile prison.

“It’s not a prison,” insists developer Tony Simonetti (Scott VanNortwick). “It’s a juvenile rehabilitation center.” VanNortwick turns in a memorable vein-popping performance as a menacing thug when he sees that his money-making schemes may put him in manacles.

Angry parents PT (MacDara Mullaney) and Ronald (Donahue) are terrific as a Greek chorus who bring some comedic relief as they dress up their grievances with religious trappings.

Todd (Brian Wendt) is hapless and helpless as he goes from being a happy, convivial tavern owner among presumed friends to realizing his fate is bound up in a haywire trap which he must accept.

As a king-maker, political boss Molly Kessler (Pamela McLean Wallace) is, by turns, smooth, then hard-nosed, then frantic as she attempts to guide the political future for her protégé, County Executive Snyder (Cipoletti), who is opposed to any future that doesn’t include the governor’s mansion.

Marsha Stevens (Melissa Dorflinger) shines as the beautiful young and ambitious public defender. She brings out her inner barfly as her blonde hair and red dress work their magic on men and women alike.

Officer Shockley (Billy Ehrlacher) gives a serious, forceful performance as a young cop determined to bring to heel a powerful politician-cum-scofflaw dog owner.

Special note goes to the costume designers (Crowded Kitchen Players and cast). The cast is arrayed in an eclectic collection of Roman togas, Greek tunics and modern fashions which combine to evoke the ancient roots of modern jurisprudence in its grandeur and graft.

Barlieb shows his mastery of austere set design and effective lighting. The original music is by Ron Palos, Greg Tocci, Sy Kipp and Tom Epstein.

Tickets: http;//www.ckplayers.com/tickets; 610-704-6974; 484-560-0945; at the door